The Star Wars: The Force Awakens director recently opened up about his feelings on giving up the helming duty of Star Wars Episode VIII, which is currently being directed by Ryan Johnson, reported Aceshowbiz.

“I’d be lying if I said there weren’t pangs of regret. Particularly when I realise I won’t get to say ‘Action!’ to Daisy Ridley, or get to work with Mark Hamill in a scene where he gets to speak,” said the 50-year-old director, who is now serving as an executive producer for Episode VIII.

The movie is set for a December 15, 2017 release. In addition to Ridley and Hamill, the returning cast includes John Boyega, Oscar Isaac Carrie Fisher, Gwendoline Christie, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis and Adam Driver.